Mainstreaming

I have some real mixed feelings about mainstreaming and inclusion. 18 years ago a very good friend of mine fought to have her son mainstreamed when he began school. I wasn't sure how I felt about it then and to tell you the truth I don't think I have any better grasp of the situation now. I know that several of you have had classroom experiences and would like to know how you feel. Part of me understands as a parent wanting their child to have the same experiences as a normal child with exposure to the same stimuli, but on the other hand, are they getting short changed on time with the teacher (even though they usually have an aid) and adaptive technology that has to be shared among numerous classrooms - if children with disabilities were all together would they not have more time to experience some of the technology developed specifically for them? Also, is it fair to advanced students to be restricted in their own educational growth because the teacher is required to attend to such a diverse group of students? I guess I feel there has got to be a better way to address the variety of students' needs without sacrificing one group or the other. I would like to hear any of your thoughts on this subject.